A Survey of Zhao Mengfu's Literary Creation

Zhao mengfu, who enjoyed high reputation for his calligraphy and painting, was also a great master in literary creation. His placid and restrained poems together with his elegant and graceful style brought the prevailing practice of the Song dynasty to an end and added a peculiar poetic flavor to the poetry of the Yuan Dynasty. His unique Ci works, followingf the elegant style of JiangZhang are natural and free from allusions, with a plain diction and a lingering appeal. His prose, which was unique in the Confucian literary circle of his age, attached importance not only to the practical textual functions but also to the aesthetic effects and, in consequence, his prosaic plain style made him stand out from other men of letters.